U.S. Meat Production
6.9% Above A Year Ago

WASHINGTON —(USDA)— Total red meat production under federal inspection last week was estimated at 880.7 million pounds, 2.6 percent more than a week ago and 6.9 percent above a year ago. Cumulative meat production for the year to date was up 2.7 percent at 27.1 billion pounds.

Cattle slaughter was estimated at 707,000 head compared to 701,000 a week earlier and 697,000 the same week a year ago, liveweights 1206 pounds, 1205 and 1191, respectively. Cumulative slaughter for the year to date was down 2.7 percent at 21,951,000 head.

Calf and veal slaughter was estimated at 28,000 head, 28,000 and 29,000, liveweights 258 pounds, 261 and 336. Cumulative slaughter was down 6.6 percent at 881,000 head.

Hog slaughter was estimated at 1,918,000 head, 1,824,000 and 1,703,000, liveweights 252 pounds, 252 and 252. Cumulative slaughter was up 10.2 percent at 59,657,000 head.

Sheep and lamb slaughter was estimated at 60,000 head, 62,000 and 67,000, liveweights 128 pounds, 130 and 128. Cumulative slaughter was down 2.6 percent at 2,289,000 head.